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April: Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Visiting our dentist in Wrigleyville on a regular basis should always be of the utmost importance, but especially when you know what’s at stake. One person dies every hour of every day due to cancer of the mouth and upper throat. Forty percent of people who are newly diagnosed with this cancer won’t survive longer than five years. This is an especially serious cancer to get because it usually isn’t detected until it has developed. April is a month dedicated to bringing awareness to this cancer and the steps you can do to prevent yourself from getting it.

The Symptoms & Risk Factors

Be on the lookout for symptoms like red or white patches in your mouth that don’t go away. Other symptoms include lumps, thick tissues, rough spots, soreness, difficulty speaking, moving your jaw, chewing or swallowing. While you may encounter some of these symptoms on their own, they should go away after two or three weeks. If they don’t you should set up an appointment with our dentist in Wrigleyville. Risk factors include excessive smoking and drinking, age and sexually transmitted diseases like the human papillomavirus.

What You Can Do

The most important thing you can do to ensure your mouth is healthy is scheduling regular visits with our dentist in Wrigleyville. It’s also important to take care of your oral health by brushing and flossing regularly. If you have questions about oral cancer and what you can do to prevent it, Northalsted Dental Spa is here to help.